The Register's Editorial: Fruitless search continues for more humane execution

12:47 AM,
Nov. 23, 2013

Written by

The Register?s Editorial Board

Iowa does not have the death penalty, and that is a good thing. Life in prison is a far better alternative and, most important, leaves the door open to evidence of wrongful convictions.

Not all states have accepted this wisdom, however, and some are now having problems carrying out executions. Historic methods of execution - by hanging, electrocution and firing squad - were so gruesome that even state officials couldn't stomach them. Instead, criminals are now "put to sleep" with a cocktail of prescription drugs.

But even this more "humane" method of government-sanctioned killing isn't OK ...